Bradford Reservoir Recreational Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bradford Reservoir Recreational Area is a popular destination located in McKean County, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

The area offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages, making it an ideal spot for family vacations and outdoor enthusiasts.

Some good reasons to visit the Bradford Reservoir Recreational Area include its picturesque surroundings, serene atmosphere, and abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking. The area boasts plenty of wildlife, including deer, bear, and various bird species, adding to the charm of the location.

Specific points of interest at the Bradford Reservoir Recreational Area include the Bradford Reservoir itself, which is a large body of water surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. Visitors can also explore the hiking trails that meander through the area, offering scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding landscape.

Interesting facts about the Bradford Reservoir Recreational Area include its history as a former water supply for the city of Bradford, and its subsequent conversion into a popular recreational area. The area is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the rare Northern Long-Eared Bat.

The best time of year to visit the Bradford Reservoir Recreational Area is from late spring through early fall, when temperatures are mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. Visitors can enjoy hiking and camping during this time, and fishing is also plentiful during the summer months.

Overall, the Bradford Reservoir Recreational Area is an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventure and natural beauty in Pennsylvania.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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